Tales from the Crypt (1972)

By Jody
Score: 8/10 overall (anthology review)

Wraparound story: Five people stray from their tour though some catacombs and are greeted by the Cryptkeeper (a monk, rather than the wise-cracking rotted corpse that we know and love) who has a terrifying tale for each of them. Like the television series, the segments are based on the "Tales from the Crypt" and "Vault of Horror" comics. Score: +1/0

Segment #1: "And All Through the House". Score: 2/2

A woman and her daughter are being stalked by a psycho in a Santa suit, but she cannot call the police considering she's just murdered her husband. This was later remade as a Season 1 episode, one of the best of the series and the best segment of this film.

Segment #2: "Reflection of Death". Score: 0.5/2

A man pays a hefty price for having an affair. This segment has some nifty POV camerawork, but not much else to offer. It is the worst of the bunch.

Segment #3: "Poetic Justice". Score: 1.5/2

A cruel businessman gets whats coming to him after he bullies an old widower just because he wants his property. Sad and well, poetic, this is a good (but extremely British) segment that choked me up a little.

Segment #4: "Wish You Were Here". Score: 2/2

A brief but horrific segment about being careful what you wish for. Really careful. Disturbing and well-made.

Segment #5: "Blind Alleys". Score: 1/2

Residents of a home for the blind take revenge on their cruel and cheap headmaster. This one will make you cringe, but with a hint of satisfaction.

Overall, this anthology film combined its effective shorts with smooth transitions and good pacing. One of the best of its kind.

Starring: Joan Collins, Peter Cushing, Roy Dotrice, Nigel Patrick, Robin Phillips, and Ralph Rickardson as "The Crypt Keeper"
Directed by: Freddie Francis
Box Office / Gross: Info Not Available
IMDB Score: 6.9/10
Tomatometer: 86% critics and 69% audiences liked it